At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and alter costumes for theatre productions while collaborating with a talented team.
- Company: Join the iconic National Theatre's Production Costume team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a creative environment with a focus on teamwork.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on diverse projects and support upcoming talent.
- Why this job: Be part of the magic behind theatre and showcase your costume-making skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in costume making or fashion, with strong sewing skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are looking for a Costume Maker - Tailoring to join the National Theatre's Production Costume team on a 12‑Month Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) contract. The purpose of this role is to provide costume making, sewing and alterations support as part of the costume workroom team comprising of six permanent team members:
- Costume Workroom Supervisor/ Head Cutter Women’s
- Deputy Cutter Menswear
- Deputy Cutter Womenswear
- Costume Maker Menswear
- Costume Maker Womenswear
The role directly supports the Head and deputy tailors within the Costume Production Workroom who cut and make costumes and accessories for shows in production for our three theatres, tours and transfers. During busy periods such as Tech week and previews, the whole team are expected to work on notes as needed regardless of the costumes gender. All members of the costume workroom and wider costume production department are encouraged to participate in the wider building and in being part of an effective team, practicing good people and communication skills, representing the Royal National Theatre and Costume Department to visiting artists and encouraging good relations with other Royal National Theatre colleagues.
The role is vital in assisting the team and in supervising costume makers, FTCs and work placement students as and when appropriate. The role means multi‑tasking and working quickly and diligently across many different projects – a large volume of which involves campaign roll‑out work.
The successful candidates will have the following:
- BA/City and Guilds or equivalent strong experience in Costume Making/Fashion.
- Substantial experience of costume making in theatre, TV or equivalent.
- Able to carry out delegated projects with minimum amount of supervision plus able to take instruction from senior members of the team.
- Excellent accurate hand and machine sewing skills, including knowledge of different sewing machines and basic machine maintenance.
- Sound knowledge of period costume, familiarity with sewing terminology & good knowledge of fabrics.
We would love to hear from you! To apply, please follow: https:///job/costumer-maker-tailoring-maternity-cover-5901559. The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 22nd May 2026 at 12 noon.
Costume Maker - Tailoring (Maternity Cover) in London employer: National Theatre
The National Theatre offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment where creativity thrives, making it an exceptional employer for those passionate about costume making. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees benefit from working alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic setting that supports artistic expression and innovation. Located in the heart of London, the National Theatre provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse productions and contribute to the cultural landscape, ensuring a rewarding experience for all team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costume Maker - Tailoring (Maternity Cover) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow costume makers, attend industry events, and connect with people on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best costume work. Include photos of your projects, sketches, and any behind-the-scenes shots that highlight your process. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the National Theatre. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applicants. So, don’t miss out – get your application in and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Costume Maker - Tailoring (Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your costume making and sewing skills in your application. We want to see your experience shine through, so don’t hold back on showcasing any relevant projects or techniques you've mastered!
Tailor Your Application:Just like you would tailor a costume, tailor your application to fit the role! Use the job description as a guide and align your experiences with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Be Personable:We value good communication and teamwork, so let your personality come through in your written application. Share a bit about how you work with others and any experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively.
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super important to follow the application process as outlined. Make sure you submit everything before the deadline, which is Friday 22nd May 2026 at 12 noon. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Theatre
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your costume making skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with different fabrics, sewing techniques, and any specific projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just passionate about the role but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to talk about your experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team project or helped others, as this will highlight your ability to fit into their production culture.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some practical questions or even a hands-on test during the interview. They might ask you to demonstrate your sewing skills or discuss how you would approach a specific costume project. Practising these skills beforehand can give you a real edge.
✨Understand the Production Process
Familiarise yourself with the production process at the National Theatre. Knowing how costume making fits into the larger picture of theatre production will help you answer questions more effectively and show your genuine interest in the role.
